Ajit Pawar, senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was travelling to Baramati for campaign-related engagements when the aircraft carrying him crashed during landing on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Campaign visit to Baramati
Sources indicated that Pawar was scheduled to attend campaign programmes in the Baramati region, a key political base for the NCP, as part of ongoing organisational and outreach activities. The visit was described as a routine political engagement, with meetings and interactions planned later in the day.
Flight details
The aircraft — a Learjet 45 registered VT-SSK — had departed from Mumbai earlier in the morning and was attempting to land at Baramati airport when the incident occurred. Air traffic control sources said the jet crash-landed near the threshold of Runway 11 at around 8:48 am IST and caught fire immediately after impact.
People on board
An official occurrence report stated that five people were on board, including:
- Ajit Pawar
- Two accompanying personnel
- Two flight crew members
No survivors have been reported, based on preliminary information shared by aviation authorities.
Investigation underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed and is expected to initiate a detailed probe to determine the cause of the crash, including an examination of operational, technical and environmental factors during the landing phase.
Senior political leaders and party workers have begun reaching Baramati as the situation continues to unfold. Further official confirmation and details are awaited.
This is a developing story.
